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What does “fee-only” mean?

The only compensation Donna receives for providing financial planning and investment management services is the fee you pay to Chaney Financial Services. All fees paid to Chaney Financial Services are separate and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by mutual funds and exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), and from brokerage commissions or transaction fees charged by your broker/dealer-custodian.

This means Donna:

Receives no commissions from third parties

Has no ties to any particular investments, funds, or companies

Is not motivated to invest resources that would better serve you in cash

Is not motivated to move your investments for commissions’ sake

This financial planning fee will be determined in your initial meeting with Donna, prior to making any commitment. A variety of payment structures are available to provide services in a way that is most appropriate to your situation:

As an annual fee, based upon the complexity of your situation, including implementation and periodic check-ups. This typically ranges from $500 to $5,000 per year.

What’s a Registered Investment Adviser?

Registered Investment Advisers (RIA) are held to a fiduciary, rather than suitability, standard of customer care. This means they are required to put your financial interest above their own.

This is why Donna Chaney has no contracts or obligations to any mutual fund company or other financial product provider.

As a CPA/PFS and former auditor, independence is the only way Donna does business.

That’s why she structured her company, Chaney Financial Services, Inc., as a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) which holds her to a fiduciary, rather than suitability, standard of customer care.

What is a CPA/PFS?

A CPA/PFS is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed by the American Institute of CPAs after passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and a Personal Financial Specialist, who has passed the PFS Examination. The CPA Exam helps ensure that only qualified individuals become licensed as U.S. Certified Public Accountants, while the PFS Exam tests candidates’ tax expertise and comprehensive knowledge of financial planning, including estate, retirement, investments and insurance.

What does “non-discretionary” mean?

Your investment adviser offers professional advice related to your investment decisions and may offer recommendations, but your adviser will not buy or sell securities without your prior approval. You maintain control of your investments. Trades are made by the adviser only with the client’s pre-approval.

What is a “custodian?”

A financial institution that holds customers’ securities for safekeeping so as to minimize the risk of their theft or loss. A custodian holds securities and other assets in electronic or physical form.

What is “directed brokerage?”

When an investment adviser directs clients to a particular custodian in order to work with them. For Chaney Financial Services, this is Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. . When you open a brokerage account(s) with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. , Donna is able to make trades on your behalf, monitor your account, directly deduct fees, receive transactional data to prepare performance reports and service your account by assisting with forms processing (deposits, withdrawals, beneficiary changes, address changes, etc.).

Contact Us

This site is only intended for clients and interested investors residing in states and countries in which Donna Chaney/Chaney Financial Services, Inc. is qualified to conduct investment advisory services.

Donna Chaney/Chaney Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment adviser located in Glendale, California. Donna Chaney/Chaney Financial Services, Inc. may only transact business in those states or countries in which it is registered, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. For non-clients of the firm, Donna Chaney/Chaney Financial Services, Inc.'s website is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to its investment advisory services.

Please contact Donna Chaney/Chaney Financial Services, Inc. at 626.768.0080 to find out if we may conduct advisory business in the state or country where you reside. Accordingly, Donna Chaney/Chaney Financial Services, Inc. does not, and will not, effect or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, through this website. Any subsequent, direct communication with a prospective client shall be conducted by a Donna Chaney/Chaney Financial Services, Inc. representative who is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state or country where the prospective client resides.